October 10, 1924-December 13, 2022

Patrick Brendan McCoy, 98, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.  He was born on October 10, 1924 in Dundalk, Ireland.  In the Irish community, he was known as Brendan.

His young life was not easy by any means, but he emigrated to North America, by way of Canada and learned a trade as an elevator mechanic.  He made his way to LA where he met the love of his life, Emily Gaffney, at an Irish Dance, in Hollywood in 1956.  They married in 1958 and started a family, eventually settling in Downey, CA, where they raised their 5 children, Brendan, Patricia (Hernandez), Fiona (Goodwin), Teresa (Antonelli) and Ann (Richards).  He worked for almost 25 years for LA County at USC Medical Center.  He was an active member of St. Raymond’s Parish for over 30 years as a lecture, a cantor and member of the adult choir.  Brendan and Emily moved to Leisure World, in Seal Beach, in 2000 where they spent their retirement years.  There, he was a dedicated parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church.

He was a dedicated family man and devout man of faith…the best father, grandfather and great-grandfather we could ask for.  He loved being a part of the Irish Dance Community and watching his son play sports.  We spent many a day driving to San Francisco and San Diego for a weekend Feis (pronounced Fesh-an Irish Dancing Competition), and later to tournaments for the grandchildren’s soccer, baseball, softball and football games.  He would do anything, drive anywhere to support his family!

In his later years, driving down the Pacific Coast, he recounted many times that he couldn’t believe this was his life.  We could almost quote the speech as we had heard it so many times.  He was a sickly child (his words) and didn’t believe he would live until the ripe old age of 98.  His Irish heritage was close to his heart and he felt blessed that the connection was inherited by his children.  His family was his first love but the monthly Irish Social brought him so much joy.  He loved listening to stories and music from so many wonderful singers…he LOVED a good singer.

He was a fighter, staying strong until the end, living and leaving us on his terms.  He will be missed but he is with his dear wife Emily, his siblings Leo McCoy and Geraldine King, his mother Brigid McCoy and family that went before him.  He will forever be in our hearts.

Please join us to remember and celebrate the life of Patrick Brendan McCoy on Saturday, January 28^th:

10:00 Funeral Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in Leisure World, 13900 Church Pl. Seal Beach 90740

11:30 All Souls Cemetery 4400 Cherry Ave.  Long Beach, 90807

1:00  Reception at Leisure World, Clubhouse #4, Seal Beach 90740
 

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